If you determine that you are eligible to have your Juvenile Offender record sealed, you may purchase an instruction packet online or from the Clerk's Office, Juvenile Division, located at 2801 10th Street, Everett, WA 98201. The cost of the packet is $5 (credit, debit, or cash – no personal checks).

How can I become an Emancipated Minor?

If you are a resident of Washington and are at least 16, but not yet 18, and you want to be legally considered an adult, you can petition the court (Juvenile Court) to become an emancipated minor.

If after reading an overview of the requirements provided below, and you choose to proceed, you may purchase an instruction packet online or from the Clerk's Office, Juvenile Division, located at 2801 10th Street, Everett, WA 98201. The cost of the packet when purchased in the Juvenile Clerk's Office is $10 and the filing fee is $50 (credit, debit, or cash – no personal checks).

A brief Summary of Emancipation Requirements (refer to RCW 13.64 for details): The court will emancipate you only if you prove ALL of the following by clear and convincing evidence:

Residency – You are a resident of Washington;

Ability to Handle Financial Affairs - You can manage your own financial affairs;

Ability to Handle Other Affairs – You can manage your own educational, personal, social and any other affairs; and

Denying Emancipation Would Harm You – If your parent, guardian, or custodian opposes your petition, you must also prove that denying emancipation would harm you.

What will change when I'm Emancipated?

Your parents will no longer have to support you. This means you will have to come up with money and pay for personal needs like clothes, food and rent;

You can be sued in your own name;

You have the right to your own earnings;

You can live in your own home;

You can enter into binding contracts, and will be held to contracts you sign as an adult, including real estate contracts; and

You can give informed consent for all health care services.

Marriage – there are specific rules relating to obtaining a marriage license if you are under the age of 18. Contact Snohomish County Auditor, Licensing Division, for specific requirements at 425-388-3483 or visit their website: Snohomish County Auditor.